Javier González Arteaga, the head of the Traumatology service at the Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), is set to depart his position. According to sources close to the service, the resignation stems from a lack of alignment with the Department of Health. The departure is expected to be effective starting July 1.
A Deepening Crisis in Health Services
González, who has led the service since late July 2024, departs amid a period of intense friction. This resignation intensifies a long-standing crisis between the Health Department and the Traumatology unit.
Two primary points of controversy have recently fueled this tension: the publication of an internal audit and a disputed plan regarding performance-based incentives. These issues have added to months of general unrest within the service.
The Audit Controversy
The Health Department recently disclosed data from an audit conducted by the Government’s “Intervención” regarding the service’s 2024 activity. González has publicly criticized this move, stating in a letter that the document should have remained for internal use only.
He described the shared information as “insufficient and biased,” claiming the data was released maliciously. According to González, this action has discredited Traumatology physicians and, by extension, all doctors within the National Health System (SNS).
While the audit noted that consultation activity did not meet the established 300-minute daily programming, critics argue it ignored high administrative loads and a rise in non-presential interconsultations from Primary Care.
Disputed Incentives and Staffing Shortages
To combat waiting lists, the Health Department proposed a pilot program on April 1 involving the payment of incentives based on objectives. This measure specifically targeted first consultations in the Traumatology and Rehabilitation services.
However, the medical staff rejected the plan, labeling it “unreal.” Professionals argued that the goal of reducing first-consultation lists without increasing the surgical list is a contradiction, and voiced concerns over extreme workload.
González had previously highlighted a deficit in effective staffing caused by sick leave, vacations, and guards. This shortage coincides with a rising demand of 3,000 recent consultations per month, driven by an aging population and increased sports-related pathologies.
The Impact of “Intervention” Threats
The relationship between the administration and the doctors soured significantly in September 2025. At that time, Councilor Fernando Domínguez stated that his “pulse would not tremble” in taking necessary measures to manage the service.
These comments sparked indignation among professionals who felt unfairly targeted. Voluntary overtime (peonadas) plummeted from approximately 70 blocks per month to fewer than 20, hindering efforts to reduce patient backlogs.
Potential Future Scenarios
Following this resignation, the Health Department may face challenges in appointing a successor who can reconcile the demands of the administration with the concerns of the medical staff.
If the dispute over objective-based incentives remains unresolved, the service could see a continued decline in voluntary overtime, which may further impact waiting lists. A possible next step for the administration could be a revision of the staffing model to address the reported deficit in effective personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Javier González Arteaga leaving his position?
He is leaving due to a lack of “sintonía” or alignment with the Department of Health, following months of tension over audits and incentive plans.
What was the main objection to the government’s audit?
González argued that the audit data should have been for internal use and was released in a biased and malicious manner to discredit the physicians.
Why did the Traumatology staff reject the incentive payments?
The staff viewed the measure as “unreal” since it focused on reducing first-consultation lists without addressing surgical lists, all while the team was already facing severe workload and staffing deficits.
Do you believe financial incentives are an effective way to reduce healthcare waiting lists when staffing shortages exist?
